The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-05-17
FLORIDA'S LEGISLATURE.
GEN. GoRDONS ARGUMENT IN SUP
PORT OF HIS LAND GRANT.

PORT OF HIS LAND GRANT.
The Bill Informally Laid Aside in the
Senate Until Action on the General
Land Forfeiture Measure-More Bal
lots-The House Considering the
Railroad Commission Bill
TALLAHASSEE, FLA, May 16-The rail
road commission bin is being considered as
rapidly as possible under the circumstances,
and the indications are that fair and equl-
table law will be the result.
The appropriation bills are being con-
sidered. The expenses necessary to be met
are yearly increasing, but not out of pro-
portion TO the rapidly increasing value of
the property of the State. There is a bill
pending for the establishment of a State
Board of Health which viii also have au-
thority in determining the qualifications of
persons who hereafter seek license to prac-
tice medicine in this State.
ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE CAPITAL.
Another attempt has been made to remove
the capital of the State from Tallahassee to
Gainesville, which failed as did a proposition
to remove it to Jacksonville. The constitu-
ton fixes the capital at, Tallahassee, where it
is likely to remain for some time to come if
not forever
BILLS TO BE CONSIDERED.
A committee has been appointed to look
over all the bills now pending in each
House, and select from the immense number
now on the calendar such as are of the
greatest general Importance, which shall
have precedence in the remaining weeks of
the session, with view to preventing as
much as possible the oversight of important
measures, which, if not attended to, will
give occasion for an extra session. During
this week the railroad commission bill, the
poll tax prerequisite bill, the appropriations
bills and others of special import will be
acted upon.
THE NEW JUDGES.
It is said Judge James f. Mcclellan, of
the First circuit and Judge James M
Baker of the Fourth circuit, will be reap
pointed by the Governor and also Judge
Mitchell, of the Sixth circuit. In the
Third and Fifth circuits there are several
applicants, and as yet it is not known who
viii receive the appointment. Hon. William
A. Hooker, of Leesburg, is an applicant for
the Judgeship in the Fifth and John +.
White, Esq, for the Third circuit, in
addition to the present incumbents of the
of these Offices Gov. Perry has not
intimated who he will appoint and all is in
suspense.
IN JOINT SESSION.
In the joint session of the Legislature
to-day the vote for United States Senator
was as follows:
Perry. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. ....................2 %
Boxham ............,............
McWhorter. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. q
fInley..... D
fancy ...-............ '......-. -...... .....
Boardman ....,........-... .'.'........''..
Goodrich (Rep.) .................. IA
GEN. GoRDoN's LAND GRANT.
Gov Gordon addressed both houses of the
Legislature to-day i'll reference to his land
grant contained in his international rail
road charter. In his argument he said
when he wrote the conditions in his charter
he thought continuous construction with
reasonable progress necessary to preserve
the rights confirmed by the charter, but as
the State has decided otherwise in dealing
with other roads with similar charters
his charter which would leave his
land grants intact He expressed
perfect confidence in the justice of the pres
ent Legislature, and was satisfied his grants
would not be declared forfeited, which il
done, would not be constitutional, as violat-
ing the obligation of contracts. His re-
marks were forcible and eloquent, and were
received with marked attention and heartily
commended. After the conclusion of his
address he was cordially greeted by every
member of the body, all of whom paid him
distinguished courtesies. He was accom-
panied by his son Hugh They left fol
home this afternoon via brownsville. Gov.
Perry and other distinguished persons paid
their respects TO him while here.
ACTION OF THE SENATE.
In the Senate the bill declaring Gov. Cor
don's charter forfeited came up as the
special order this afternoon and after pro
longed discussion as to the proper course to
pursue, the bill was passed over informally
to act upon the general bill now pending
relative to land grant forfeitures of all the
roads in the State.
The greatest objection to declaring Gov
Gordon's land grants forfeited was the in
jury to his credit as man, and in his at
tempt to carry out the provisions of his
charter, as it was conceded that vested
rights could not be materially affected, by
legislative action, as it would violate the
contract with Gov. Gordon
THE RAILROAD COMMISSION.
The House considered the railroad com
mission bill by sections and advanced ID tt
third reading with slight amendments
The Senate is considering it more deliber
ately and proposing various amendments
chiefly relating to the right of appeal. L
is proposed now to give an appeal from tn,
commission to the Governor and hi,
Cabinet
IN JOINT CAUCUS.
The Democrats in joint caucus to-nigh
took three ballots for. Senator, Showing
Bloxharn and Perry about equal in strength
with two men who will vote for neither.
Eerrs .'''''-.-......4
HalOAndiu ..-.'.s ..-.''..s.-. a
McMhorter. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Mallory. ...................
The caucus adjourned TO Wednesda,
night. The indications point to darl
horse.
FRIGHTENED ABOUT LEPROSY.
E1na I.n1,iSin,na Gtn+a pnnrd of unn1+l